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State Visits Abroad: Latin America, India, and Pakistan
The Kennedys’ goodwill tours abroad also served a deeper political purpose. As the Cold War raged, the administration was watchful of Soviet interest in India and especially Latin America, where the president sought to improve relations.
Jacqueline Kennedy again proved to be an asset to her husband in South America in 1961. She was received as a “folk heroine,” and 20,000 troops were on hand to control the crowds in Venezuela. There, the president introduced her as “one of the Kennedys who does not need an interpreter,” and she delivered remarks in fluent Spanish.
In India and Pakistan, it was clear how Mrs. Kennedy used clothing to complement her host nation and to stand out in the crowd. Her color and fabric choices from different designers reflected the art and culture of the region she was visiting. As on all state visits, she created a visual metaphor for the youthful new face of America: one that was cultured, sophisticated, and stylish.
In the exhibition, you can see footage of Jacqueline Kennedy visiting these countries, wearing these colorful dresses and suits.
Find out about Mrs. Kennedy’s restoration of the White House. >>
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